Methotrexate and Itching: What Users Say

• TPC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2015

For Psoriasis "I was diagnosed with severe advanced plaque psoriasis in Dec 2014. I was 60% covered when I first went to my dermatologist. By the end of Mar 2015, after trying one ointment after another, I was 95% covered, in pain (felt like 3rd-degree sunburn), the itching was like a million fire ant bites 24/7. I couldn't lay down or sleep. The doctor started me on Methotrexate in May. Within 6 weeks, I was totally clear and still am (10/18/15). I take 2-2.5mg tablets Mon AM & again Mon PM then 1 Tues AM for a total of 12.5 mg a weekly. I also take 1-1mg Folic Acid every day. I go in for follow-ups and blood work every 3 months but I'm fine now... thanks to Methotrexate."

• sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2013

For Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis on my scalp since I was a baby with 'Cradle Cap.' It was left untreated until I was about 21. I have tried every cream and t-gel out there. Nothing cleared it up fully. Since I turned 24, the condition has spread to other parts of my body, usually parts that don't get much light. Psoriasis is terrible and affects everyone so differently. This condition has kept me from getting close to people and even kept me from going to hairdressers. Finally, I decided to start this medicine. I'm currently on my fourth week of 15mg oral methotrexate. I have noticed a huge decrease in itching, and my patches seem to be not as scaly. I really hope this works, so far so good."

• Jos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 30, 2017

For Psoriasis "I've suffered with scalp psoriasis from being 8 years old, but I always managed with coal tar shampoos. When I was 29, I noticed plaque psoriasis forming on the trunk of my body, arms and legs, chest, and face! They grew larger, became intolerable, and so itchy. After many visits to the GP, I was eventually referred to a dermatologist. By this point, I was off work, severely ill, my skin was so bad I couldn't walk, and I would lie in the bath to help shed the layers of skin. Upon my visit to the dermatologist, he took one look and said I was critical. I was 99% covered and had erythrodermic psoriasis! I spent 11 days in the hospital, bandaged in ointments. I've been on MTX for 4 years now and can say it has helped me a lot (99%). Blood monitors done 3 monthly."

• Kat...
• September 17, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was put on methotrexate over 3 years ago. The third week of injection, I crashed. Confusion, overall sick feeling, had to take an antidote. This medication caused irritable bowel syndrome, itching, hives, and just made me sicker. I would not recommend this medication."

• GW7...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been using methotrexate for about a year. Haven't had any bad side effects. But when I started using the Plaquenil (generic form), the side effects were awful. My hands became red and very dry, cracking to the point of bleeding. I could not stop scratching. I had dry, almost psoriasis-like patches on my wrist and arms. Had to stop taking it. All that went away. I'm still taking the methotrexate without any issues. Just have to keep up with the blood work. Now, however, the doctor wants me to start on Humira, and I'm worried about the side effects that might cause. So, please, I need some feedback on Humira. What type of issues have any of you who take it had? Thanks!"

• Sam...
• February 3, 2021

For Eczema "I have had severe eczema since I was 16, went through many different treatments and still do. From steroid creams, prednisone, Dupixent, hydroxizine, and doxepin, only steroid creams have worked, however, hydroxizine and doxepin have helped me sleep at night. When I thought all was lost because Dupixent was ineffective for me, my doctor offered methotrexate. I have been on methotrexate for about 20 weeks now. The first 8 or so weeks, I thought it was not working, but around week 10, my skin started getting very clear, no more scaling, cracking, and major peeling. In general, it has made my skin 100 times better. I have dry skin and redness in certain areas, but I apply a steroid cream triamcinolone, and it helps with the skin irritation when it flares up. Methotrexate has been very good for me in general. Many are afraid to take methotrexate because it is a chemo drug and has potentially severe side effects. Dupixent definitely is the thing to try first due to potential side effects of MTX."

• azu...
• June 6, 2013

For Psoriasis "Just started a week ago. Was nervous regarding side effects but bit the nerves. Notice there is no flaking after one week. Although still itchy, hopefully that goes away. Just felt like I was exhausted faster but want to keep giving it a try. Tried everything else."

• Aus...
• February 12, 2016

For Psoriasis "On methotrexate for 20 years, no issues with liver function. Otezla worked much better, but insurance refused to cover it, back on metho. Psoriasis since age 7, psoriatic arthritis since 40s. Now 54. Increased metho from 10 mg/week to 15 mg/week, pain and scaling more severe. New patches around my eyes, lids are swollen, painful, and itchy. Eyes constantly dry, red, painful, itchy - might have psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis in them, going back to rheumatologist and an ophthalmologist for help. OTC allergy eye drops, soothing drops, and nightly administration of Vaseline in/around eyes not alleviating condition. Very sore all over, sunny weather alleviates the patches and joint/tendon pain. Can't wait to sunbathe! No biologics, cancer scare."

• Cou...
• May 27, 2017

For Psoriasis "I'm 18 and have had psoriasis now for almost 2 years. I started taking this for my psoriasis about a month ago and have already seen substantial differences! No itchiness, limited redness, and extreme scaling. Although the medication does take a bit longer to start working, I'm absolutely sure that it will continue to help relieve the psoriasis on my legs, arms, and stomach!"

• Bet...
• January 12, 2016

For Psoriasis "I've had psoriasis for the past 10 years and was exhausted from trying creams and such. I searched for a treatment that would do more - and have been on methotrexate for about 7 weeks now. I haven't noticed any change in my skin - at least not for the better. I've been really itchy, and I really feel like my scalp has gotten worse. I have flakes constantly, and my head is covered in acne and red bumps now. My face is getting a bit of acne too. And, despite the fact that I eat very healthy and work out, I have put on about 2 pounds per week. :( So sad."

• Sno...
• August 1, 2015

For Psoriasis "I have suffered with psoriasis for 30 years and have tried every possible lotion, potion, shampoo, etc. that my dermatologist has recommended. I started taking 10 mg methotrexate once per week only 1 month ago. I have not noticed any reduction in scale patches, and I am still quite itchy. Is this normal?"

• kim...
• March 26, 2010

For Psoriasis "I have had psoriatic arthritis since age 10. The deformities in my hands are very, very severe. I have taken methotrexate for about 6 weeks and don't notice a difference, except I have been feeling sick to my stomach, tired, and bowel movements are painful and a little blood is visible. Kinda scary-I see my rheumatologist in a few weeks. Psoriasis patches seem burning or itchier."

• chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2019

For Psoriasis "I have been dealing with psoriasis since I was about 8-9 years old, maybe even before - I'm now 23. I've tried all kinds of creams, ointments, and shampoo, and nothing seems to work to where it's tolerable. It started with my scalp and in between my toes, now it's progressed to my face (eyebrows, nose), behind/in ears, and even worse on my feet now. I was put on methotrexate 3 weeks ago, and it seems like it's gotten a lot worse before I was even put on it. Summer time is the worst time for me because the minute my scalp gets warm, I itch like crazy 'til I bleed. It's just terrible."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 18, 2021

"Was good at the start for my giant cell arteritis, now several months down the track my hair has fallen out rapidly and become very thin and fragile. Not to mention the insane itch that has accompanied the hair loss. I wish I could come off methotrexate ASAP, but unfortunately no... at least another 12 months... I guess it is either do as I'm told and live or don't, and that is the end of me :("

• Suj...
• March 9, 2023

"I have suffered from chronic urticaria and hot flashes, leading to severe prurigo nodularis for over 2 years. An experienced pharmacist suggested the use of methotrexate 25 mg for a period of 9 weeks - 1 tablet a week. I extended the usage for a few more weeks at a 15 mg dosage, then stopped. After a gap of three to four months, I again used it for 6 weeks or so. My nodules flattened, and I could see more than a 70-75% result with itching almost nil. Thanks to methotrexate."